Julian Sands’ hiking partner ‘hopes’ for the actor’s safe return
A hiker and close friend of Julian Sands says he is “still hopeful” of the actor’s safe return, as searches have passed the two-week mark.
Other actor Kevin Ryan said Sands is a “smart person” and “very strong-willed” with a lot of experience in handling dangerous situations.
Sands was first reported missing on January 13, with multiple searches conducted by land and air by the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department and other agencies.
On Thursday, helicopters had to land again due to “strong winds” in the Mount Baldy region of the San Gabriel Mountains – where the actor disappeared.
Authorities have previously used the Recco device for aerial searches, which can detect electronic devices and credit cards.
The sheriff’s department previously said it “hopes” that the technology will be able to more accurately pinpoint an area to focus search efforts on.
Speaking to Fox News, Mr. Ryan said everyone around him is optimistic about finding his friend.
“I think in a period like this where every day, every hour of pain goes by, you get more and more worried about coming back safely,” he added.
“But all we have in a situation like this is hope. One of the things, like I said, is how progressive Julian is, and he’s a smart guy, and I still hope that he’ll hold out, you know, survive.”
The couple met on the set of the 2014 American TV series Crossbones Sands, starring John Malkovich.
“One of the things I have in common with Julian is hiking. I live in California, Los Angeles and so does he, so we decided to go hiking a few times,” Ryan told Fox News.
“He was actually the one who introduced me to Mount Baldy, which I did many times, twice in the winter.
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“It was an extremely difficult climb with those weather conditions, you are talking about about six to eight to nine hours to get to the top. When it’s freezing, it’s very difficult.”
He added: “I know Julian to be an extremely good climber and very strong-willed. He’s very, very healthy and we’re doing our best but it will be a positive comeback for him.”
Sands’ family has previously praised the “heroic” efforts of the California authorities in conducting the search efforts, despite the ongoing conditions.
In a statement, also shared by the sheriff’s department, his family said they were “deeply moved” by the support they have received in the days since his disappearance.
In addition to her television roles, Sands is known for her numerous big-screen appearances, including A Room With A View, and horror films including Warlock and Arachnophobia.
https://www.independent.ie/entertainment/movies/julian-sands-hiking-partner-remaining-hopeful-of-actors-safe-return-42317042.html Julian Sands’ hiking partner ‘hopes’ for the actor’s safe return
